After crossing the the Genoa River we turned left off the highway and upon reaching our destination, Gypsy Point Lodge, we found V&S already ensconced having, according to the proprietor, appropriated the best room!
Over dinner L explained the different paddle options available.
Due to the unfavourable winds forecast for Monday (23kph by 7.00am, reaching 35kmp by 1.00pm) the Betka River was decided upon as it looked to be the most sheltered stretch of water and a departure time of 9.00am was declared.
Having checked out our point of departure it was time to set off from the Betka River mouth which has been closed for some time. All were on water by 10.35am.
CKC well on its way along the Betka River with the breeze beginning to kick up.
Rounding the corner we passed a low isle upon which a variety of birdlife were taking their ease: Swans, which departed the scene at our approach, Little Egrets, dwarfed by a Great Egret, Pied Cormorants and Ibis.
The Betka River is quite open with dense bushland either side of the river. No farmland in sight.
Group discussion about a good place to stop for a leg stretch and some morning tea saw us stopping at 11.24am.
After our refreshments we took to the water once again at 11.45am.
M drew our attention to the noticeable number of eucalypts in flower. Some discussion was had as to whether it was normal for this time of the year, or were they in distress. Hmm, some post paddle homework is in order.
At 12.50pm L called for a halt at this less than salubrious lunch site. We set our chairs up in a line like we were waiting for public transport, with M & L as the book ends, and with the rest of us playing 'pass the packed lunch' and wondering where in hell were we going to pee!
Disappointed that, because of paddling into the wind for the last 5kms, we hadn't paddled as far as we could go; El Capitano reminded us that we could be facing stronger winds on the way back.
Embarking once more, and all on the water at 1.25pm L takes time to show S & R where we were on the Betka River. S & R had map envy having failed to print and pack theirs' pre Mallacoota trip. Note to selves (S & R) - more effort required for future paddles!
Wind kicked up strong gusts from time to time but it was at our backs and so some of us used our paddles to best advantage. We set our feathering at zero and held our paddles horizontally so as to use them as sails and it worked to some effect pushing us along at a pace.
Not many snags or obstacles to maneuver on this river but we did come across a few.
Smooth waters changed to ripples in places as the wind came and went intermittently.
R watching an egret in flight and marvelling at the beauty of it. One of the many reasons we love to kayak.
2.20pm sees CKC stopping for a leg stretch before getting back on the water at 2.30pm.
At last a strong wind asssit at our backs saw us sprinting for home with R attempting to utilise 'paddle sail' assist for extra impact. However, as L had warned us, the strong breeze hit us head on when we rounded the last bend and it was quite the effort to bring it home.
3.14pm sees CKC back at the inlet and unloading our equipment for the return drive to Gipsy Point Lodge for a much earned cold drink and looking forward to dinner at the Lodge itself.
Almost packed up and ready to depart.
Cheese and wine on the deck of rooms 1 and 2 at Gipsy Point Lodge, with M & L joining us from their Mulloway Cottage for the day's debrief, and then on to the lodge for a pleasant dinner and an early night to bed. Looking forward to tomorrow's paddle to the Victorian/NSW border on the Wallagaraugh River.
Note: Mulloway Cottage being the central morning meeting place where breakfasts were had and trip lunches made, thanks to the generosity of M & L.
Trip Notes:
Put In/Take Out: Betka River Mouth
13kms
5hrs 20mins
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